Attention!

This manual contains the idiosyncrasies and important ways of operating
of the Zenit-EM and Zenit-E cameras. It's not a photography guide. Before
working with one of the cameras, we advise to study the manual carefully. On
account of the ever advancing development in the construction of the
cameras, it's possible that there are slight differences between text and
actual construction. Tips:

only screw the lens in and out of the camera by means of the lens ring

by turning the dial left, purposefully or not, a blockage of the shutter mechanism can occur; turn the depressed shutter release button to the right with your finger, so that it pops up by itself and the shutter mechanism works perfectly again

Don't rotate the shutter speed dial between "B" and "500"

Cock the shutter completely to the stop (eventually in more than one stroke) to avoid blank exposures; check this if necessary by stroking the lever again; if the exposures turn out to have te shape of the mirror, then that's due to incomplete cocking.

To enhance the operation and the sensitivity of the meter, it's advisable
to not expose the photographic cell to direct sunlight; by the way, in
general it's advisable to fit your camera, even when unused in its case,
with the lens cap.

Operation of the ZENIT-EM and ZENIT-E cameras

The ZENIT-EM and -E cameras are single lens reflex system cameras,
equipped with a quick return mirror. That makes it possible for you to
observe the object to be photographed, except during the very short time of
exposure.